August 31, 2011

• All last week, James was in Costa Rica for work, giving presentations. While he was hiking in cloud forests, bathing in waterfalls, and posing with toucans, I managed the first week of school (including back-to-school night) and soccer practices at home with the kids. Having 2 drop offs and pickups when both kids are still in carseats is a bit inconvenient, but otherwise it wasn’t as difficult as I envisioned. 

   

  Friday evening, I hired a 14-year-old to watch the kids while I went to Vegas Night at work with my hot date Kathy. (First public school, now a 14-year old babysitter … I’m really throwing caution to the wind now, eh? The reality is that the 14-year-old lives a few houses down and her parents will help if there are any unlikely emergencies. Plus I was less than 2 miles away. So I’m still neurotic. Dammit.) Despite being located at work, Vegas night was quite fun – possibly because I had great company.

   

  Karen, Paul, Rachel, Jeff, Kathy, and I shamelessly feasted on Moroccan mint lamb chops, seafood cakes with lemon aioli, and jumbo shrimp. And that was before hitting the big dessert display table, where I had 3 mini cupcakes. Definitely a good call on wearing a stretchy dress. We took some crazy photo booth pictures (headshots only – whew!) and then grabbed a blackjack table. We opted to forgo the magic shows for additional gambling time and played until we lost everything.

  

  The next morning, 6 coworkers and I ran a charity race. I ran a 5k in 34:36 – I’m pretty sure that’s my PW (personal worst.) A few of my teammates placed in their age group, and Meenakshi finished her first 5k! Go team!  After my run, James and I took the kids to Soccer Opening Day festivities.

  

  The bounce houses were probably more fun/age-appropriate for Calie, but Zach had a good time too – especially after he ran into Christian from his soccer team. We had sandwiches and frozen yogurt for lunch at Goodies before heading over to a free kids’ tennis clinic at Broadstone Racquet Club.

  

  That evening, James put the kids to bed while I went to Veronica’s house for a party. Lovely catered dinner from Dominick’s plus a live band AZUAR … I had fun dancing and singing to 80s music (and some Lady Gaga mixed in) Thanks Veronica for inviting me!

    

  Sunday morning, Calie and I joined Melissa and Sandy’s family for dimsum at Asia Pearl. I love dimsum – it’s always such a treat to go. Thank you Sandy for organizing and picking up the tab! We enjoyed some downtime during the day and then went to Mikunis for my birthday dinner. (This is the last I saw of my pint glass … I accidently left it on the table. My other freebie however, the lava cake, sits securely on my hips) 

   

   

  Friday evening, James’ parents came over to watch the kids so that James and I could celebrate my birthday at The Kitchen. My favorite dishes were the deconstructed ‘Banh Mi’ and lamb rack with lobster. The salmon was so fresh it was caught that morning and flown in only a few hours ago. Alas, my 7th time was not the charm, as there were no raw oysters … and in fact, the whole sashimi spread was a bit disappointing. But that just meant more room for 2nds of dessert. They make the best peach ice cream (after Sam of course.)

   

  

  Saturday was pretty much dedicated to Zachary’s soccer seeding tournament. Zach is playing a lot better than he did last year. He has good stamina for running across the field, so he is often able to get to the ball faster, and he had some pretty impressive kicks. However, his team lost all 3 games which means they’ll probably start off in division 3. I’m hoping this means he’ll have a chance at making a goal this year.

  

  After the last game, his team had pizza for lunch on the sidelines. Zach was invited to an impromptu playdate at Christian’s house, so I dropped him off for 1.5 hours of swimming.

  

  In the evening, we went to a Wild About the Zoo benefit. There weren’t very many vendor stands this year and the activities were the same as the previous year’s, so we didn’t stay long. After the kids went to bed, James and I went to see a late movie (Crazy, Stupid, Love) using our stash of movie gift cards we collect from work. Thanks to James’ parents for babysitting!

  

  

  Sunday morning, I did a 3.5 mile loop in El Dorado Hills with my jogging group. As soon as I got back, it was time to head to the park with Calie to meet up with her friend Cassie. And after an hour or so of playing at the park … it was off to the Sac State Aquatic Center with Zachary to meet up with a few of his soccer team buddies: John, Aidan, and Christian. The boys kayaked, canoed, played in the water (jumped off docks), and had a picnic lunch.

   

   

   

   

   

  In the late afternoon, James and Zachary went rollerskating while Calie and I went out for an early dinner at Blue Nami (sushi) followed by Pinkberry frozen yogurt.

   

   

   

  Definitely felt a bit over extended that day with both kids’ activities. I’m starting to realize the logistical challenges of managing 2 kids with very different interests/activities and circle of friends!

   

  

  (Zach’s soccer banner above. Not my favorite team name, but we have the best banner – thanks Alice for designing it!)

   

  James found out his friend Bill from New York was stranded on the west coast on a business trip to to Hurricane Irene. He was staying with his parents, who lived only a few miles from our home. So Monday evening, we met up with Bill and his parents for dinner at  Pollo De Oro, a local Mexican restaurant we’ve never tried before. Thanks Bill for treating us to both a delicious meal and entertaining magic tricks!

   

  

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